Committee Structure
Committee Structure
Introduction NACAA
Introduction KACAA
I. Member Resources
II. Program Recognition
III. Public Relations
IV. Career Development
V. Professional Improvement
National Association of County Agricultural Agents
Kansas is affiliated with the National Association, which is composed of members of state associations. Kansas is a part of the North Central Region. A state association is in good standing with the National Association if it has paid national dues for all active members by the date designated by the officers of NACAA. The national dues is paid by the Kansas Association out of the state dues.
The purpose of the National Association correspond closely with that of the Kansas Association. Many policies and programs have been promoted by the National Association that have benefited members of the Kansas Association of County Agricultural Agents.
The structure for NACAA is built on three foundation blocks that are the basic components of NACAA's professional enhancement areas: Program Recognition, Extension Development, and Professional Improvement. These committees are made up of agents from the various states. Kansas has representatives on many of these committees.
Kansas Association of County Agricultural Agents Committees
The Kansas Association has a structure that is similar to the NACAA structure, but has been modified to better meet the need of KACAA.
The following are some of the duties, responsibilities and purposes of the Kansas Association Committees:
1. NATIONAL MEETING: Keep informed of details in connection with the coming Annual Meeting of NACAA. Encourage and assist fellow agents in participating in the NACAA Annual Meeting. States attending National meetings have been arranging favors for delegates attending. These favors have in most cases been furnished by firms and businesses in the state as an advertising medium. This committee should be on the lookout for such cooperators. All action along this line should be cleared with the board of directors before a definite commitment is made with the firm or business. When the National Meeting site is in Kansas, this committee will be in charge of arrangements and will be assigned additional help by the board of directors. Any favors secured from the state for a convention should be reported to the National convention committee giving details of arrival and any necessary facilities at the convention headquarters that might be required for the distribution of such articles.
2. POLICY: The policy committee is made up of former presidents of the Association. The duties of the policy committee are to interpret the constitution and by-laws of the Association in cases of dispute. The committee may also be asked by the board of directors to give advice on proposals before the board. The policy committee also has the responsibility of conducting the formal initiation for new members at the annual meeting. The policy committee may also be asked to determine the responsibility for a particular project between committees of the Association. It is responsible to administrate the KACAA Profession Improvement Fund.
1. EXTENSION PROGRAMS: This committee should review existing and new Extension programs. Whenever possible, the committee should act in an advisory or suggestive manner on such Extension programs to the administrators of the Kansas Extension Service. It should also be the function of this committee to review existing programs from time to time and report their effectiveness. Since the primary function of the Association is professional improvement, this committee should give thought and study to better Extension method teaching procedures for county and state personnel. Select recipients for "Search of Excellence" and other programs assigned to this committee.
2. 4-H AND YOUTH: This committee will study problems and make recommendations for ideas and programs that will strengthen the 4-H and youth program. This work will be done among the agents, state administration and outside interests that want to cooperate in promotion of these programs. This work may include mechanics of organizing and operating all phases of youth work, plus methods of training volunteer leaders. The committee will work with the National Association committee on problems relating to the national program. Select individuals for 4-H Recognition Program.
3. PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE: The activities of this committee are limited by the nature of the work assigned. It is important to continue to screen carefully the applicants for distinguished service awards (DSA) in order that the award will continue to have real meaning to the recipients. The committee, made up of prior DSA recipients, will familiarize themselves with all of the requirements for DSA. Briefly, for those not acquainted with this program, each year the National Association recognizes agents who have been in Extension work for at least ten years and have given meritorious service to the people in their county through an outstanding program that has brought increased economic and social returns to his cooperators. Two percent of each state's members may be selected for recognition. DSA recipients must be a member of KACAA for 10 continuous years.
The NACAA Achievement Awardee is also selected by this committee. This award is for members of KACAA with less than ten years of service and serves as encouragement and recognition of excellence in the field of professional Extension. Each state receives an Achievement Award for one percent of state membership or a fraction thereof.
KACAA provides $200 financial assistance for the DSA and AA recipients to attend the National Meeting where the certificate of award is presented. Attendance at the National Meeting is required by KACAA. Nominations may be made by any member in good standing of KACAA through their district KACAA director.
4. COMMUNICATIONS: Develop channels for funneling information regarding Extension agents and their activities to the news media. Keep in mind the possibility of having feature stories dealing with the experiences and accomplishments of Extension agents. Make sure they are called to the attention of the Extension editors as well as the news media. Submit stories to the Regional Vice-chairman for use in the national news media. Encourage agent participation in the various state and national information contests. Select recipients for Communications Awards and the Turfgrass/Horticulture Communications Program. The KACAA provides $35 cash award for state winners in each category of communications.
5. SCHOLARSHIP: The Scholarship committee has the responsibility of promoting KACAA member participation in the NACAA Scholarship Fund. The objective of the fund is "To encourage and support Extension personnel in their professional improvement efforts by awarding cash scholarships to pay tuition, housing, travel, books and related educational costs." Individuals seeking KACAA assistance may submit the same application to the Policy Committee chairman.
6. ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SCHOLARSHIP: The Academic and Professional Development Scholarship Committee will oversee the KACAA Scholarship. Committee structure will include a member from the Policy Committee, KACAA Board, Life Member, and KACAA Vice-Directors.
1. ASK THE ADMINISTRATOR, FRIENDS OF COUNTY AGENT, AND PRIDE: This committee has the responsibility of developing and implementing the best possible working relationships between individuals, associations and institutions. The committee makes recommendations based on Extension agent suggestions, that will coordinate the recommendations between Research and Extension and to make suggestions for research activity. This committee acts as the liaison between Kansas State University, organizations, individuals and the Kansas Association of County Agricultural Agents, in all areas of public relations. Selects individuals for the Pride Program. This committee will develop and facilitate a system whereby all NACAA and KACAA award recipients receive recognition in their home community media as well as acknowledgement to advisory committees and supervisors.
2. SMIXER: The Smixer is held during the Annual Extension Conference. The Smixer committee has the responsibility of organizing the event, making arrangements for the meal, program and special guests. A detailed report of the Smixer will be filed with the secretary-treasurer following the event showing all expenses and a listing of the new Association members. The Smixer committee may also be called upon to assist with an evening meal in connection with the KACAA workshop.
1. LIFE MEMBER: Keep life members informed of activities and benefits at the state and national levels.
2. ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT: This component designed to enhance our members in the area of Administrative skills in Extension.
3. EARLY CAREER DEVELOPMENT: This component designed to enhance our members early career development in Extension.
4. TEACHING AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS: This component designed to enhance our members teaching and communication skills for Extension.
V. Professional Improvement
1. AGRONOMY:
2. AG ECONOMICS:
3. ANIMAL SCIENCE, DAIRY AND LIVESTOCK:
4. ENVIRONMENT & NATURAL RESOURCES
5. HORTICULTURE AND FORESTRY:
6. ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:
These component were created and designed to better fulfill our mission: "... to further the professional improvement of our members...", as written in the NACAA mission statement. This area is devoted to enhancing the opportunities for our members to become more knowledgeable and competent in subject matter areas in which they work. Examples of training activities that might be included within this category include: discussion groups, seminars, refereed papers, demonstration sharing, study tours, and interstate/international exchanges. Each of these five broad subject matter areas would comprise a Committee. Additional committee categories can be added in the future or existing areas modified to better meet the needs of KACAA members. Each of these broad subject matter committees may have numerous advisory groups beneath it as are deemed necessary. Examples of advisory groups under the Animal Science Committee might include: Range/Pasture Management, Biotechnology in Livestock, Beef Nutrition, Dairy Breeding, Swine Genetics, Rotational Grazing, Animal Waste Management. This short list is not meant to be all inclusive.
